I'm here in the martial arts world just to find love.

Jiang Chao was indeed planning to join in the fun, but he didn't ignore Jiang Buwen's warning.

Fighting in the arena is simply a way to exchange skills with peers, to meet like-minded people, and to make friends in the martial arts world.

The phrase "to endure calamity and overcome misfortune" doesn't sound like a good thing, so let's avoid it.

Jiang Chao had no intention of becoming a young hero, even though he wasn't particularly averse to the title itself.

He came down the mountain simply to see a wider world, learn more about strange and wonderful things, make more friends, and encounter more beautiful women.

"Brother Jiang, did you see the black dragon that appeared a few days ago?"

Qin Shaoling arrived at Yunmeng Mountain just in time for the evening of the original martial arts tournament.

When he arrived at the place where the group of martial arts practitioners had gathered, Jiang Chao and the others had already gone to Zixu Temple, so the two did not meet that day.

That night, a dragon appeared in the world, a strange phenomenon. A master of the Xuanmen sect intervened, making the night sky as bright as day. Many martial artists present witnessed a part of the terrifying true form of that black dragon.

Qin Shaoling was among them.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chao chuckled, "I've not only seen it, but I've also eaten its flesh. The meat was very tough and not tasty."

"...Ah Lang, don't joke around. I've heard that the black dragon is an ancient beast, an ominous creature. What if it reappears if we continue our martial arts competition here and participate in the martial arts tournament?"

Qin Shaoling thought Jiang Chao was teasing him and seemed somewhat worried.

"Shaoling, I'm telling you the truth, why won't you believe me?"

Jiang Chao sighed helplessly, then said, "Don't worry, there are many grandmasters and experts here, all waiting for that black dragon to reappear."

After a pause, the boy added with a chuckle:

"Of course, that includes me. You don't know, that black dragon is indeed an ancient creature, its skin is exceptionally thick and tough, and the feeling of fighting it is simply too exciting."

"..." Qin Shaoling remained silent for a moment, then drew the long spear from his back.

"I went and played one game first."

After saying that, he strode towards the crowd that had formed a circle not far away.

  

"Qin Shaoling of Qingzhou has come to seek your guidance!"

As Qin Shaoling loudly announced his identity, the crowd parted to make way for him, and the martial arts practitioners all turned to look at this young man who had come to challenge them, discussing among themselves.

"Qin Shaoling? Never heard of him. Who's his prodigy?"

"You've never heard of Qin Shaoling? You're truly ignorant."

"His surname is Qin, he comes from Qingzhou, and he wields a spear... Ah, I remember now, he's that patricide and fratricide who, for the sake of righteousness, wiped out his entire family—that living devil!"

"What 'Living Yama'? His nickname is 'Ghost Gun,' the name that even ghosts fear!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, this is going to be good. One's a Ghost Spear, the other a Ghost Blade, both are formidable characters!"

The wooden arena was a temporary structure, exactly three feet off the ground, about the height of a sword.

There are more than thirty such arenas in this venue.

Since the start of the tournament, each temporary arena has been surrounded by many martial arts practitioners.

The seven major sects and four great families have a clear division of labor, each sending core disciples to act as referees near these arenas.

In order to prevent what should have been a friendly martial arts competition from turning into a feud or even a life-or-death struggle, these referees also have the responsibility of maintaining order at the scene.

The rules of the challenge are simple: the loser leaves the stage, and the winner stays to face the next challenge until they are exhausted.

Regardless of victory or defeat, each player has three opportunities to perform on stage.

The judges will assess and rank the competitors based on their performance and the number of wins and losses, and record the results.

The person who ranks highest will receive a top-tier martial arts technique, as well as many unannounced but undoubtedly valuable rewards.

You can also choose three masters to ask about your doubts and get their guidance on martial arts problems.

The "Ghost Blade" that Qin Shaoling is currently challenging has already won three consecutive matches.

This person looks to be around thirty years old, right at the upper limit of thirty... or maybe he is older, but he says he is thirty. He just looks older after being out in the world for a long time and being exposed to the elements.

The man was dressed in the standard attire of a wandering swordsman. He was burly, with a rugged appearance and sharp, piercing eyes, like a sword about to be drawn from its sheath.

The three martial arts practitioners who were defeated by him were all sent flying by the back of his knife, falling off the stage, severely injured and unable to fight again.

This martial arts tournament, ostensibly for competition and exchange, aims to allow participants to hone their skills and advance their martial arts prowess in this grand event.

Heroes are not judged by victory or defeat; the point is made but not mentioned.

In reality, at the very beginning of the competition, many young martial artists from humble backgrounds were doing their utmost to showcase themselves in order to gain the attention of the important figures from those prestigious sects.

This is why, after only one morning, many people were unable to continue participating in the competition.

In the eyes of ordinary江湖客 (jianghu ke, a person who walks the streets), one must have status and background.

Otherwise, no matter how talented you are, it will be of no use if you encounter those unreasonable big shots.

Qin Shaoling strode onto the arena, cupped his hands in greeting to the burly man, and introduced himself again:

"My name is Qin Shaoling from Qingzhou. May I ask your name?"

Before a major battle, one must first introduce oneself; this is the rule of the arena.

Since they're fighting in front of everyone, it's not just about sparring; they can't let such a good opportunity to make a name for themselves slip by.

"Lanzhou, Qin Fang!"

The man said calmly.

This man from Lanzhou also has the surname Qin.

Jiang Chao, who was watching the battle from the crowd, raised an eyebrow, feeling quite surprised.

Moreover, both of their nicknames contain the character "ghost," suggesting that this is a fateful duel.

After briefly introducing themselves, the two stopped talking and started fighting.

Qin Shaoling's spear thrusts were like dragons, his momentum like rainbows, and his attacks were fierce, drawing cheers from the spectators below.

Clearly, this marksmanship prodigy has also gained a great deal from this trip to the martial arts world.

Jiang Chao nodded secretly at the opponent's imposing manner. As expected of the first brother he made after leaving the mountain, his martial arts talent was indeed remarkable.

Then his gaze fell on Qin Fang, the "Ghost Blade".

This man fought three battles in a row, yet his aura remained undiminished; in fact, Jiang Chao believed he was still at his peak.

Facing Qin Shaoling's sweeping spear, the man swung his silver-ringed broadsword, perfectly weaving the spearhead into the silver ring of the broadsword. Then, with a forceful pull, the wooden floor beneath the man's feet shattered with a crash.

"What domineering internal energy!"

Jiang Chao, who was watching the battle, narrowed his eyes slightly, realizing that this person was no ordinary person.

Qin Shaoling, standing on the arena, was in the same situation. The domineering true energy emanating from the spear made his tiger's mouth numb, yet he was unwilling to give up the spear.

Once it leaves your hand, this wooden spear will likely break in an instant.

That won't do!

This spear was given to him by Ah Lang when he helped him escape, and it has great significance to him!

Since leaving Qingzhou City, he has fought many people, including ordinary people who pursued the realm of martial arts, and mountain bandits who occupied the mountains and only wanted to plunder the people and indulge in pleasure.

However, he never actually used the gun; he treasured it dearly.

But... today is different!

"drink!"

Qin Shaoling shouted, channeling his inner energy into the ash wood spear shaft. He then turned his wrist, causing the spear tip to spin violently.